Fender Jazz or Precision?

[CoryXC]

I've been getting a buddy of mine started on bass. He's been using my Yamaha 4-string ($150) for awhile now. He has now decided to venture out and get his own bass.. He's actually getting pretty good! I'm very pleased with the progress that has came.

Anyway, to the point. We play all classic rock from Zeppelin, Floyd, AC/DC, Cream, Skynyrd, and Deep Purple. So pretty much all those bands either use a P-bass or a Jazz. What me and my buddy wanna know is the huge differences between there basses. I hear that P-basses have more bottom end. But is it really that noticable? Price isn't really a concern. He knows a friend of a friend who can get some sweet deals. But we're both really digging on JPJ's jazz bass with the tortoise shell pickguard.

I'd just like to hear what you guys have to say about the history of the two and what are there pro's and con's!

Thanks,
Cory

 

[Amateur]

Re: Fender Jazz or Precision?

I have a Jazz Bass and my brother has a P Bass. The P Bass does sound a little fatter and I think it is good for classic Rock. I use the Jazz Bass because I play almost all kinds of music and I think it works better as an all around ax. It does sound a little bit punchier when I play Rock "n" Roll with it.

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: Fender Jazz or Precision?

Supposedly you can make the Fender Precision with the "S1" switching sound like the Jazz, but I can't possibly imagine why you'd want to do that

"P" all the way

 

[ksmith63]

Re: Fender Jazz or Precision?

i like the jazz aerodyne basses. but then again i'm not a bass player and have never bought one so taking my advice would be like a woman telling you which car to buy....

 

[some_dude]

Re: Fender Jazz or Precision?

For rock...P-Bass.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Fender Jazz or Precision?

For aesthetics, I think a Precision is a nicer, more balanced looking instrument. For any sort of practical application, the Jazz bass is better for me. First and foremost is the 1.5" nut width. That's the most comfortable neck for me. Some people need that wide string spacing at the nut, I prefer to play comfortable. I also prefer having the two Jazz pickups available to me. I rarely use the bridge pickup, as I "solo" the neck pickup, but it's nice to have the option for the bridge pickup available. The only thing I really don't like about the Jazz is the size of the body. It's perfectly comfortable and everything, but it seems big against my body.

 

[these_go211]

Re: Fender Jazz or Precision?

yes, the p-bass will have a fatter sound. but as 'the golden boy" alluded to the p-bass also has a fatter neck. personally i just feel the meaty sound of the precision sounds better but that's just the opinion of this one idiot. and even though i don't have large hands i find the larger neck feels good. that being said, jpj and his j-bass have absolutely perfect tone! uh-oh, do i feel some GAS coming on...no no.....damn!! :smack: